MUMBAI: From cool finishes to cool trademarks MS Dhoni just scored another off-field win. The former India skipper’s bid to own the phrase “Captain Cool” for entertainment and sports services has crossed a major legal milestone, with the Indian Trade Marks Registry greenlighting his application for publication.
Filed under Class 41 for services spanning education, entertainment, cultural activities and sports training, the application originally submitted in June 2023 faced initial resistance from the Registry. The hurdle? A prior registration for Captain Cool under the same class by Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited, which prompted a formal objection under Section 11(1) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
But Dhoni’s legal team wasn’t bowled over. At a hearing conducted under Rule 115 of the Trade Marks Rules, Advocate Mansi Aggarwal of Vidhi Samhita Advocates argued that “Captain Cool” is inseparably tied to Dhoni’s identity virtually synonymous with his calm, composed demeanour on and off the cricket field.
The Registry agreed. It held that the term, in Dhoni’s case, was unlikely to cause public confusion given its entrenched association with the cricketer. With that, the objection was waived and the mark was accepted for advertisement under Section 20(1) of the Act.
The application was officially published in the Trade Marks Journal on June 16, 2025, setting off a four-month statutory opposition window. Any third party that believes Dhoni’s registration infringes their rights or could mislead the public has until mid-October to raise a formal objection.
If no opposition is filed during this period, Dhoni will secure exclusive rights to use “Captain Cool” for services including sports coaching, entertainment shows, cultural events, and more, a fitting legal badge for a man who made calm look effortless under pressure.
Whether it’s chasing trophies or trademarks, MS Dhoni continues to play the long game and win.
Mumbai: PepsiCo India has named Saakshi Verma Menon as its new chief marketing officer (CMO) for the foods division, as outgoing CMO Anshul Khanna moves into a new role within the company. The announcement comes amid heightened competition and renewed strategic focus on the Indian packaged foods segment.
Menon, a key member of PepsiCo’s India leadership team, will lead the marketing strategy for the company’s foods portfolio, which includes household brands such as Lay’s, Kurkure, Uncle Chipps, Quaker, Cheetos, and Doritos.
“Super pumped to work on some of the most iconic and beloved brands from the house of PepsiCo,” Menon wrote in a LinkedIn post. “These brands have been part of everyday moments for millions, and I’m excited to shape the next chapter of their journey.”
Menon steps into the new role after leading regional brand initiatives for PepsiCo’s AMESA (Africa, Middle East and South Asia) business, where she managed cross-market campaigns for core beverages including Pepsi, 7Up, and Mountain Dew. With over 20 years of marketing experience, she has also held senior roles at Colgate-Palmolive, Uber, and Kimberly-Clark, bringing a blend of global insight and local consumer acumen.
PepsiCo India reported revenues of Rs 8,877 crore and profit after tax of Rs 883.4 crore for the financial year ended 31 December 2024. The company’s snacks segment contributed over Rs 6,800 crore, underscoring the strength of its packaged foods portfolio.
India’s packaged foods market is currently valued at Rs 3.6 trillion, while the carbonated beverages segment stood at $18.25 billion in 2022, according to ICRIER. PepsiCo faces strong competition from both multinational and domestic players, including Coca-Cola, ITC, Bikaji, and Haldiram’s, with bottling operations managed by its partner, Varun Beverages.
To bolster local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, PepsiCo India last year announced a Rs 1,266 crore investment to set up a flavour manufacturing facility in Ujjain, MadhyaPradesh, expected to be operational in Q1 2026. A second facility is also being developed in Tamil Nadu, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.
MUMBAI: When the going gets tough, even the trucks slow down and Tata’s latest sales pitstop shows just that. Tata Motors hit a speed bump in the first quarter of FY26, clocking 2,10,415 units in total vehicle sales, a decline of 8.5 per cent year-on-year from 2,29,891 units in Q1 FY25. The slide was felt across both passenger and commercial segments, as domestic demand cooled off amid high base effects, macro headwinds, and flat market sentiment in May and June.
Commercial vehicles bore the brunt, with total CV sales down 6 per cent YoY to 85,606 units. While HCV trucks fell 12 per cent, and small commercial vehicles (SCVs and pickups) dropped 17 per cent, there was some traction in ILMCV trucks and passenger carriers, which managed modest growth of 5 per cent and 1 per cent respectively. Interestingly, Tata’s international CV business was in overdrive revving up 68 per cent over the same quarter last year, thanks to new markets like Egypt and expanded play in the MENA region.
Passenger vehicles also faced headwinds, with sales slipping 10% to 1,24,809 units, of which EVs contributed 16,231 units, a marginal 2 per cent dip YoY. The good news? Electric optimism is holding charge. EV sales picked up pace towards the quarter’s end, and new launches like the Altroz and Harrier.ev are expected to spark further momentum in the months ahead. The refreshed Tiago, meanwhile, zipped ahead with 16 per cent YoY growth.
In the domestic market alone, Tata sold 2,03,411 vehicles, down 10 per cent, while international business sales rose on the back of a strong 67.9 per cent lift in CV exports.
Tata Motors executive director Girish Wagh called it a “subdued start” to the fiscal, pointing to muted demand in heavy and small truck segments. But he remained upbeat, banking on a “healthy monsoon, repo rate cuts, and infrastructure push” to recharge CV demand in coming quarters. The company also launched India’s most affordable mini-truck, the Ace Pro, in multiple fuel variants, and introduced air-conditioned cabins across its truck range, a move aimed at improving driver comfort in gruelling conditions.
Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra, meanwhile, struck a cautiously optimistic note: “The EV segment was a bright spot,” he said, adding that Tata is “well positioned” to build on its lead with a fresh lineup across hatchbacks and SUVs.
With the festive season on the horizon and fuel prices stabilising, Tata’s drive through FY26 may yet shift back into a higher gear. For now though, it’s a recalibration pitstop and the engines are humming, but not quite roaring.
MUMBAI: From Gwalior to green goals Kartik Aaryan’s latest role sees him trading the silver screen for solar panels, as he steps in as the new brand ambassador for Saatvik Green Energy Limited (SGEL). Known for his boy-next-door charm and deeply rooted values, the actor now powers up a message of sustainability for the nation.
This isn’t just a celebrity collaboration, it’s what SGEL calls a “shared purpose.” According to SGEL chairman and managing director Neelesh Garg, the idea took root during an impromptu chat among company leaders. “We saw that same integrity, hard work and humility in Kartik’s journey from Gwalior to global stardom. That’s when we knew it wasn’t a pitch, it was a purpose,” he said.
Kartik, whose growing appeal rests on his blend of relatability and aspiration, echoed the sentiment: “Clean energy is not just a necessity, it’s a shared responsibility. I’m excited to be part of the Saatvik brand, which is so aligned with values I believe in integrity, intention, and impact.”
SGEL managing director Manik Garg said the actor’s journey made him an ideal voice for the brand’s next phase: “With Kartik, we aim to inspire people to choose a cleaner, better, more self-reliant tomorrow.”
SGEL CEO Prashant Mathur added, “Kartik represents the new India, ambitious yet authentic. He’s not just a youth icon, he’s a believer. In ethics, in effort, in empathy.”
With the solar sector playing a central role in India’s renewable energy drive, the Saatvik-Kartik association aims to energise conversations around sustainability, while giving the clean energy movement a touch of Bollywood star power. In an era where climate consciousness is fast becoming cool, this collab looks like a match made under the sun.
MUMBAI: In a heartfelt tribute to faith and fortitude, Sunfeast Marie Light stepped into the spiritual fervour of Rath Yatra 2025 with a campaign that was equal parts thoughtful and innovative. Dubbed Surya Vardaan, the biscuit brand offered cooling caps to thousands of devotees walking miles under the scorching sun.
Crafted with sandalwood and a unique menthol layer that activates on exposure to sunlight, the Surya Vardaan caps turned harsh rays into waves of soothing relief. As pilgrims followed the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through Puri’s sweltering streets, the caps delivered more than just physical comfort, they became wearable symbols of care and community.
ITC Ltd. chief operating officer, biscuits & cakes cluster, foods division, Ali Harris Shere commented “The sun, which symbolizes energy, vitality, and life, is central to our brand. At Sunfeast Marie Light, our biscuits are made from sun-kissed wheat, and we carry that spirit of warmth and care into everything we do. The Surya Vardaan cap is our way of honouring tradition while offering thoughtful comfort to the Puri Rath Yatra devotees”
The experience zones set up along the route saw thousands gratefully donning the caps, embracing the blend of spiritual symbolism and smart design. Lending star power to the initiative was popular Odia actress Archita Sahu, who participated in the festivities and distributed caps to devotees with folded hands and a beaming smile.
This quiet act of brand devotion, as much rooted in empathy as engagement, offered a timely reminder: sometimes, the smallest gestures like staying cool on a sun-drenched pilgrimage can carry the most divine intent.
MUMBAI: The Adani Group has gone from strength to superbrand, topping the growth charts with a jaw-dropping 82 per cent spike in brand valuation — the highest among India’s top 100 brands in 2025, according to Brand Finance’s annual rankings.
Brand Adani’s value has surged from $3.55 billion in 2024 to $6.46 billion (Rs 55,000 crore) this year, marking an increase larger than its entire 2023 valuation. That’s not just growth — that’s compounding on steroids.
The jump has propelled Adani three notches up the rankings, landing it at No. 13 on the coveted list, up from 16 last year. The report attributes this leap to the Group’s strategic clarity, resilience in the face of global volatility, and commitment to sustainable growth — a rare trifecta in today’s corporate climate.
Meanwhile, Tata Group cemented its throne as India’s most valuable brand, becoming the first Indian brand ever to breach the $30 billion mark. It continues to lead the pack on sustainability perception value, while Infosys tops the charts in positive gap value – a measure of consumer trust outperforming expectations.
Luxury hotel chain Taj held onto its title as India’s strongest brand with a AAA+ rating and a brand strength index (BSI) score of 92.2/100.
Food delivery major Zomato also made its debut in the top 50, riding on strong brand equity among urban consumers.
The 2025 edition of the Brand Finance India 100 saw double-digit growth across the top 10 brands, including Infosys, LIC, Hdfc and Reliance, indicating that India’s brandscape is not just expanding – it’s accelerating.
In a year where perception met performance, Adani’s sharp rise signals that brand value in India is increasingly built on scale, strategy, and sustainable swagger.
Speaking on the same, Brand Finance’s MD Asia Pacific, Alex Haigh said, “Adani emerged as the fastest-growing Indian brand in 2025. In our assessment, brand Adani’s rise is underpinned by its strong financial performance coupled with high brand equity scores. It is a clear reflection of their investment in integrated infrastructure and the renewables sector.”
MUMBAI: Why let your old gold gather dust when it can shine anew without losing a single rupee? Indriya, the Aditya Birla Group’s fine jewellery brand, has unveiled ‘Smart gold exchange’, a bold nationwide initiative that offers India’s only zero-deduction policy on old gold, starting from 14kt upwards. Whether it’s a well-worn 14kt trinket or a family heirloom in 22kt, customers can now exchange their pre-loved gold jewellery at full market value, with absolutely no hidden charges or deductions, a rare promise in an industry notorious for its fine print. The initiative reimagines the traditional exchange process with a sharp focus on transparency, trust, and transformation.
“At Indriya, we believe trust is the most precious element in every piece of jewellery,” said Indriya CEO Sandeep Kohli. “With this initiative, customers can upgrade to our new collections without losing value. It’s seamless, smart, and sincere.”
The exchange scheme is now available at all 25 Indriya stores across India, including:
The campaign doesn’t just appeal to those seeking a style refresh, it targets a broader shift in consumer behaviour, where value retention and brand transparency are gaining currency. By removing deductions regardless of karatage and keeping the process fuss-free, Indriya is not just offering new jewellery, it’s offering peace of mind.
With the Smart gold exchange, the brand adds sparkle not only to jewellery boxes, but also to the way Indians think about their old gold as an asset ready to be reimagined, not reduced.
MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix flavour, fun, and futuristic tech with zero internet? A rural marketing masterstroke. Centerfruit, from the house of Perfetti Van Melle India, has launched an industry-first voice-based AI campaign that’s got rural tongues wagging – quite literally.
In a bold move to bridge the digital divide, Centerfruit rolled out the Tongue Twister Challenge in partnership with WPP, BharatGPT.ai, and Google Cloud. Targeted at audiences in rural Uttar Pradesh – where smartphone penetration is patchy and data access even patchier – this initiative lets users engage with the brand using nothing more than a basic feature phone.
Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Perfetti Van Melle India marketing director Gunjan Khetan said, “Rural Bharat is an important market for Centerfruit, and while we have been able to reach millions through Television, there are still pockets where narrating our brand story has been a challenge. However, the latest Voice AI tech activation is a game-changer, it allows us to not just reach but have conversations with people outside of the traditional digital ecosystem. By using AI and creative storytelling, we bring the Kaisi Jeebh Laplapayee spirit to life in a way that feels local, effortless, and deeply inclusive. We believe this is a powerful step toward ensuring that no consumer is left out of the conversation, no matter where they are or what technology they have access to.”
As part of its ongoing ‘Kaisi Jeebh Laplapayee’ campaign, the brand deployed a hyperlocal Voice AI that dialled users directly. All they had to do was give a missed call, and they were in – chatting away in local dialects, tackling tongue twisters, and laughing through a gamified, fully voice-led experience.
The backend was as sophisticated as the frontend was simple. Deployed on Google Cloud, the experience leveraged BharatGPT and CoRover’s desi LLM optimised for Indian languages and dialects. Users’ voices were streamed and converted in real-time, analysed by Gemini (Google’s AI model), and scored on clarity, pronunciation, and speed. No screens, no apps, just good ol’ vocal cords.
But the experience didn’t stop at tongue twisters. Users could also ask questions in their native dialects via BharatGPT.ai’s ‘Ask Engine’ and receive instant responses, turning every call into a conversation.
Google Cloud India VP and country MD, Bikram Singh Bedi added, “Google Cloud’s scalable cloud infrastructure will enable brands like Center Fruit to reach consumers in their native language and Gemini’s capabilities will enable real time scoring which will make the whole user journey exciting while creating more brand recognition. This is a testament to how technology can truly empower businesses and consumers around the globe.”
Wavemaker CEO – South Asia, Ajay Gupte said, “We believe technology should be an equalizer, not a barrier. Our collaboration on the campaign along with BharatGPT.ai and Google Cloud is a powerful example of how voice-based GenAI can bridge the digital divide and bring playful, immersive brand experiences to audiences often overlooked by mainstream media. By combining creativity with scalable tech infrastructure, we’re proud to help create a campaign that’s as inclusive as it is innovative—one that speaks directly to people, in their language, on the devices they already use. This initiative is a step forward in redefining how brands connect with rural India—not just by reaching them, but by truly engaging them in ways that are local, personal, and deeply human.”
Hogarth India CEO Karthik Nagarajan said, “This partnership between Perfetti Van Melle, WPP, Google Cloud, and BharatGPT wasn’t about tech deployment – it was about cultural engineering. We built AI not just to answer questions, but to reflect the wit, rhythm, and warmth of everyday Bharat. When creativity meets technology, you don’t just reach people – you resonate. As a content experience company, we specialize in delivering engaging, enriching brand experiences irrespective of the medium. In this case, we are very grateful to Perfetti Van Melle for providing a platform that enabled us to create such an experience at scale for its audience.”
With this move, Centerfruit hasn’t just taken the road less travelled – it’s made it multilingual, hyperlocal, and powered by next-gen tech. Who said you need 5G to have fun?
MUMBAI: From Seoul to serum shelf, Anua the Korean skincare sensation with a minimalist soul has officially made its Indian debut, courtesy of Nykaa. With cult-favourite toners, gentle pore-cleansing oils and spot-busting serums, the brand promises skin that’s not just glowing but also grateful. Known for its “less is more” philosophy and a clean, calming approach to skincare, Anua lands as Nykaa’s latest K-beauty exclusive, reinforcing the platform’s first-mover status in bringing South Korea’s finest skin solutions to Indian beauty bags.
Whether you’re battling breakouts or just looking for balance, Anua’s star lineup brings together natural ingredients with scientific sensibility:
. Heartleaf 77 per cent Soothing Toner: Cult-favourite calming toner to soothe inflamed, sensitive skin
. Niacinamide 10 per cent + TXA 4 per cent Serum: Skin-brightening booster that targets dark spots and dullness
. Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil: Melts makeup and excess sebum without disrupting the skin barrier
. Heartleaf 77 Clear Pads: Pre-soaked toner pads that exfoliate, clarify and calm in one swipe
“We’re thrilled to introduce Anua to the Indian market through our exclusive partnership with Nykaa,” said Founders Inc. CEO Ryan Lee, brand owner of Anua. “This marks a new milestone in our global journey and we’re here not just to launch, but to build a meaningful skincare community.”
With Nykaa Beauty’s executive director & CEO Anchit Nayar calling it “clean, calming, and results-driven,” Anua joins an elite K-beauty club already represented on the platform including Dr. Jart+, COSRX, Etude, Aestura, and Laneige.
Nykaa, which first mainstreamed Korean skincare in India, continues to lead the wave, offering Anua exclusively on its website, app, and across 230 plus retail stores.
As India’s beauty buffs grow more conscious and curious about ingredients, textures and routines, Anua’s entry is a timely ode to gentler formulations that work hard without trying too hard. It’s glow time, minus the guesswork.
MUMBAI : Two dessert dynamos just scooped out something extraordinary. Hangyo Ice Cream and Smoor have teamed up to launch Black Gold Ice Cream — a luscious blend of Hangyo’s famously smooth, creamy base and Smoor’s rich, artisanal couverture chocolate.
Unveiled in style at Smoor’s Lavelle Road boutique, the launch event brought together ice cream lovers, media, and some very lucky sundae architects. Guests sampled the Black Gold flavour bomb — a silky, bold creation that drips heritage, elegance and luxury in every bite. Think ancient cacao rituals meets 21st-century dessert couture.
The event was headlined by Hangyo Ice Cream head, Business Development, SankeernPai and Smoor founder & CEO Vimal Sharma, who revealed the product in a grand unveiling, followed by a tasting session that delighted guests and media alike. To add to the celebration, attendees enjoyed a DIY Sundae Station, where children and adults alike crafted their own personalized sundaes with a range of toppings and sauces. The event also featured Black Gold-themed games and fun activities for kids, ensuring the afternoon was filled with flavor and joy.
Hangyo Ice Cream vice chairman Ullas Kamath said, “At Hangyo, innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. The launch of Black Gold in association with Smoor Chocolates is a celebration of craftsmanship, indulgence, and collaboration. This luxurious creation brings together our legacy in ice creams with Smoor’s artisanal chocolate expertise to deliver a truly premium dessert experience. Black Gold is more than just a product—it’s a statement of elegance, quality, and the power of partnerships in redefining indulgence”.
Sankeern Pai said, “We’ve always believed that ice cream is more than dessert — it’s an emotion that speaks to every palate differently. Our strength lies in understanding and celebrating this diversity, which has helped us become a beloved brand across regions and generations. With the launch of Black Gold, we take that philosophy a step further — blending our legacy of rich, creamy textures with Smoor’s mastery of fine chocolate. This collaboration is a bold exploration of taste, tradition, and innovation, elevating indulgence to a whole new level. It’s not just about introducing a new flavor; it’s about crafting a refined experience that’s rooted in who we are as a brand.”
Sharma commented, “Smoor has always stood for purity, precision, and the power of true couverture chocolate. With Black Gold, we’re venturing into a new dimension — where the art of chocolate-making meets the soul of Ice Cream craftsmanship. Partnering with Hangyo has enabled us to reimagine what indulgence means for the Indian consumer. This creation is a fine blend of two legacies — one that balances tradition with refinement and elevates familiar comfort with luxurious flair. It’s a celebration of two brands that understand their craft deeply, coming together to offer something rare, bold, and unforgettable.”
Smoor CMO Kanchan said, “At Smoor, we’ve always believed that true indulgence lies in the details — in the richness of taste, the finesse of craftsmanship, and the joy of discovery. ‘Black Gold’ is a celebration of that philosophy. This collaboration with Hangyo brings together our artisanal chocolate expertise with their legacy in Ice Creams, resulting in a creation that’s bold, luxurious, and truly unforgettable. It’s not just ice cream — it’s a sensory experience.”
Beyond the tasting, the event was a carnival of cocoa dreams — from a DIY Sundae Station for kids (and kids-at-heart) to Black Gold-themed games and treats that made the launch a full-blown flavour fest.
Hangyo, a brand that has blended tradition with trend, and Smoor, known for its high-end chocolate wizardry, have together created a dessert that’s as much about legacy as it is about sensory joy.
Black Gold Ice Cream is now available at all Smoor outlets and can also be ordered via Swiggy and Zomato. A dessert this decadent doesn’t just deserve a place in your freezer — it deserves a standing ovation.
